Chapter 7: Old Friends and Scars (1/2)

Jon Arryn:

"I was hoping we would meet again soon, but definitely under better circumstances." Jon Arryn spoke as he walked alongside his former foster child.

"Likewise." Eddard Stark replied. "What do you think will happen?"

"As much as I hate to admit, Jorah Mormont did committed a crime against House Lannister." Jon told him. "Even though I do believe what Lady Maege told us, it doesn't absolve the fact that he was the Lord of Bear Island when it occurred." He explained to Ned.

"Jon, we can't let him do something drastic to people who's only crime is being related to someone who did commit crime." Ned sounded worried and with good reason.

Both of them walked through the corridors of Casterly Rock. On their way to the training yard to find Robert.

"Why is he in the training yard anyway?" Ned asked Jon.

"The Prince is having swords lessons with the Master-at-arms." Jon explained. "Apparently, Raziel asked Robert to teach him how to hunt and he decided to take the boy after his practice."

"Wait? I thought we were going to discuss the situation with Tywin in the afternoon?" Ned asked in deep confusion.

"We will, but Robert won't be present." Jon announced. "He will be present to discuss the Ironborn situation but he preferred not to get involved with the Mormont situation."

"But... but why?" Ned seemed more confused.

Jon sighed before speaking. "Well... both the Prince and The Queen expressed a certain hostility with the Mormonts upon your arrival." In truth, the Queen was the one that expressed hostility with several passive-aggressive remarks. The Prince on the other hand was polite enough, but Jon could see a lack of Raziel's usual pleasant smile, and instead he saw an very intimidating gaze that terrified Jon due to the terrorizing resemblance with Tywin Lannister's gaze. "Robert sincerely doesn't want problems with neither, especially Raziel."

Ned seemed a bit bothered, but he probably understands. "I guess Robert found some type of happiness with his wife and son." He commented.

"Robert and Raziel certainly have a bond but his marriage is purely political, there's no love... or even respect between the Queen and him." Jon was quick to add.

"Jon, I never doubted you or questioned your decisions." Ned remarked. "But I need to know, why did you arrange Robert to marry Tywin Lannister's daughter?" He inquired, as Ned had a very low opinion on Tywin since the Sacking of King's Landing.

"Ned, I know that you have a justifiable low opinion on Tywin Lannister. But you must understand that the crown needed his support for Robert's reign." Jon clarified. "The Lannisters are the richest house in the seven kingdoms and Tywin Lannister is a man with a lot of power that we sincerely preferred to have on our side, rather than against us." He explained. "Robert had no desire to marry after your sister, but the crown needed an heir. Cersei Lannister was, politically at least, an ideal match."

Ned didn't say anything after that. Probably because he understood Jon's reasoning.

Honestly, I doubted this decision a lot of times. Cersei Lannister is not exactly a woman you would want in a position of power. The only good thing that came out of their union, was Raziel. Jon thought, but decided to not mention to Ned.

After some more walking, both the Hand of the King and the Warden of the North arrived at the training yard. Where the King was watching the crown Prince on a sparring match with a training sword and shield against a squire.

"What's happening?" Jon asked Robert.

"Raziel is tiring that scrawny boy out before attacking." Robert explained.

Jon then looked at the match, and could tell that Raziel was indeed tiring the squire down. As he was just moving around and avoiding the boy's attack, anyone would think that Raziel was just afraid to get hit, but Jon and Robert saw him training enough to know that Raziel was no coward.

Their suspicion was correct, as the Squire did start to get tired and started to swing the training sword with much less power. Raziel then threw a false right strike horizontally before switching to a straight down that lands on the to of the Squires head.

"AAAAHHH!" The Squire yelled in pain while holding the top of his head. But the spot that the Prince hit started to bleed.

"The Prince is winner." The master-at-arms announced.

Raziel Baratheon:

"Come on." Raziel ordered his new pet.

Raziel decided to buy the Hrakkar from that merchant. The reactions of everyone when he brought him back to Casterly Rock varied.

His Mother was instantly against as she said that it may be cute now but it will soon enough grow big and harm him. It took a lot of begging for the Queen to allow Raziel to keep him.

Myrcella and Joy instantly adored him because of how adorable he was. Even Tommen who has been quiet since he came back adored him, by calling him "A big kitty."

His Grandfather was just skeptical.

His father was shocked at first but was quickly charmed to him due to acting cute when the King patted him.

Jon was curious, since he only heard about Hrakkar but never really saw one.

"Good, Symeon." Raziel gave him the name of Symeon, after Symeon Star-Eyes. He chosse that name because it was his favorite story from the Age of Heroes.

Symeon turned out to be a very obedient pet, as he seemed to understand Raziel perfectly. "Now, you must behave while I'm on the hunt, otherwise everyone might think that you're dangerous or something." Raziel told Symeon, and something gives him the impression that he understood what the Prince said.

The Prince then prepared himself for his hunting lessons with his father. He picked up his Dragonbone bow and prepared to leave the room. Symeon climbed on his bed and curled himself to sleep. He's a big sleeper. Raziel thought.

Suddenly, the door of his room opened and his mother entered the room.

"Hello, Mother." Raziel greeted her. "Is something wrong?"

"No, I just came to see you before you go." His mother replied as she approached him. "Be careful, and don't do anything foolish." She instructed him as she touches his face.

"Don't worry, I'll be careful." Raziel touches his mother's hand as he replied. "I hope I manage to hunt something."

"I'm sure you will." Cersei told him with a smile. Then she looked at his bed, where Symeon is sleeping. "You better lock the door, we wouldn't want your pet getting out." His mother spoke with a completely different tone.

"I will," Raziel replied. He picked up his bow and prepared to leave the room.

"Wait." The Queen ordered him.

"Yes, mother?" The Prince asked.

She opens her arms. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

"Oh, sorry."

Raziel turned around and hugged his mother in a very tight hug. He could sense his mother's sweet smell and how soft she was. She also wrapped her arms around him.

Soon enough, the Prince departed from Casterly Rock alongside the King and two guards. Raziel was riding on the same horse as his father as they passed through a forest at south of the castle.

His father was telling him a story about his first hunt. Where he actually managed to kill a Stag with a knife. Robert was also explaining to Raziel about the basics of tracking.

The Prince listed closely as they all kept looking for a good spot. Raziel looked at the sky as it looked like it was going to rain soon. I hope it rains when we get back. He thought as he didn't want to get wet.

Although, even if it did, the Prince would just deal with it. As he was determined to learn everything he could about hunting. Since he might have a lot of opportunities to hunt on his travels.

His Father was an experienced hunter, which was something that Raziel was very aware of it. Since his father pretty much hunts all the time.

Eddard Stark:

The dreaded moment finally arrived. The Warden of the North, the Hand of the King and the Lady of Bear Island were all sitting in front of the Warden of the West, about to begin the discussion about the consequences of the crimes committed by the late Jorah Mormont.

Tywin Lannister had a sword in his hands, that was delivered to him by his youngest son. The Sword if he wasn't mistaking, was Red Rain, that was in possession of House Drumm not long ago. Though the sword looked difference than it was described in books. It has grey-black and red ripples through the steel, with the red almost as dark as the grey. It's scabbard glitters gold and is decorated with a row of lion's heads and smoldering red rubies. The pommel has a golden lion's head with ruby eyes that shine like two red stars. The Old Lion looked at it with a lot of pride on his eyes.

Eddard observed as Tywin put the sword back on the scabbard and placed on top of his table.

"Lord Tywin, I don't mean to pushy, but Lord Stark and Lady Mormont really want to solve this problem as soon as possible." Jon spoke to Tywin.

"As do I." Tywin replied coldly. "Though you must understand that the situation cannot simply be solved with an simple apologize, especially with the death of my son's wife as a casualty of this transgression."

"My nephew acted independently, no one else even knew that he came to the west." Lady Maege tried to explain. "But Jorah's foolishness did cost the life of a member of your family, so whatever you decide, House Mormont will accept."

"House Stark will aid House Mormont in whatever retaliation you request." Eddard spoke, not exactly liking where this conversation is going.

"You have three choices." Tywin stated with his intimidating gaze upon them. "One: You will fund the repairs caused by the attack that Jorah Mormont aid. As the Lord Westerling lost a considerable amount of men during the battle on Tarbeck Hall and the Ironborn caused a considerable amount of damage around that area." He gave them the first option. Eddard instantly disliked this option, as he was sure that the damage would cost a very considerable amount to fix, alongside the fact that they would be paying for the damage that was caused by the Ironborn and not Jorah Mormont.

"Two: You shall give up your house's Valyrian steel sword to House Lannister." That caught everyone by surprise. "The Valyrian steel sword would certainly cover all the expenses."

"You already posses a Valyrian steel sword, why do you want another?" Eddard couldn't help but ask. Does his ambition knows no bounds? Two Valyrian steel swords!

"That is none your concern Lord Stark," Tywin replied coldly.

Suddenly, Jon touches Eddard's shoulder and approached his ear. "It doesn't matter, just leave it be for now." Jon whispered an advice on his ear. That Eddard decided to follow.

"The third option would be a betrothal between one of your daughters and my son Tyrion." Of all the three options, this one was the most surprising for them.

"My Lord, I'm not sure I heard correctly." Lady Maege, spoke up in disbelief.

"You heard correctly, Lady Maege." Tywin replied. "One of my sons lost his wife due to your nephew's actions, it is only fair that you provide me with a wife to my still unwed son." He leaned back on his chair. "A wife for a wife."

They all looked at one another, still surprised by what they just hear.

Raziel Baratheon:

"You have to pay attention to the wind, whichever animal you are chasing, will probably be able to sense your smell." King Robert explained to his son. "Especially when you smell like perfume."

Raziel smells like lavender, lilacs, and rosewater most of the time. Recently, he also developed an habit of chewing mint which keeps his breath fresh. Which he was doing it right now. "Father, you often smell like wine,meat,piss and vomit." Sometimes all at once. "You have no right to judge how I smell." The Prince rebuffed.

The King chuckled at that. "You're probably right."

The two kept on following a trail that was left by a deer. A trail of footprints and shit, that Robert and Raziel alongside the guards are chasing on foot. The Prince had his bow prepared at hand, with a few arrows on a quiver in his hip. Personally, I prefer a back quiver, but I'm only carrying a few arrows anyway. The Prince thought.

Suddenly, they all hear a noise. The King touched the Prince's shoulder. "Watch it, it's around here somewhere." His father whispered on his ear.

They all kept following the trail, slowly. Until they see the deer that they were looking for. There was a beautiful deer, eating grass. Both Raziel and Robert take their position. The Prince picks up an arrow from his quiver. "Stay calm, and take your shot." His father advises him.

Raziel prepares to take his shot, he's trying to aim for the deer's heart. Wait...wait...turn just a bit... that's it. Raziel thought as he aims.

But then, less than a second before he shoots the. A very loud roar is heard, which starled the Prince. He accidentally shot the arrow, which landed on the deer's leg. The deer made a noise of pain when the arrow pierced through it's leg.

However, before anyone could do or say anything. A Lion came out of nowhere and attacked the deer.

"What the fuck?" The King spoke in confusion.

Oh no. Raziel thought. I heard a guard say that one of the caged Lions escaped yesterday. He remembered that he accidentally overhead that, when he was on his way to greet his father and Jon when they arrived at Casterly Rock.

The Lion bites the deer on the neck, which proved to be a fatal blow as the deer stopped moving after the Lion's teeth pierced through it's neck.

"Your Grace, we must get out here." One of the guards told his father.

The King didn't answer, he just stared at the lion as it eats the deer that Raziel was trying to hunt. "I never hunted a lion before." His father commented. "Cover me." He tells Raziel as he touched his head.

Raziel looked at his father with a very confused face. He watched as the King pulled out a very bland hunting knife. Wait! Is he really gonna fight the lion with a knife. The Prince thought in pure disbelief.

"But, your Grace-" One of the guards tried to argue but was interrupted.

"Just shut fuck up." Robert ordered the guard in annoyance. "Shoot it with your arrows if it gets the upper hand." He told his son.

Before Raziel could reply, his father walked towards the lion with the knife at hands. Once he got close enough, he whistled to get it's attention. It worked, since the lion looked at him and in less than a second, left the deer's carcass and charged at his father.

I'm glad to put this chapter out for you guys. I'm gonna be one hundred percent honest, I did not expected this story to be as well received as it was. Though I must say that feel a bit unsatisfied with my writing at times and I'm sure some of you also find it a bit repetitive.

But anyway, as always, Questions and Answers:

Q: Good chapter. I hope Raziel gets a Valyrian steel sword since Lannisters have now both Longclaw and Red Rain. Will he become a warg since he has a hraakar now and also will he learn any planetosi magic? We know there is elemental magic, glamour and illusion and also resurrection magic.

A: One of Raziel's companions will be warg and I'm gonna also explore magic through the character. But no, Raziel will not do magic.

Q: Always so happy when this gets updated

Fair enough on Raziel not getting Red Rain guess there are other fancy swords out there for him to get

Well at least all the she bears won't die and there house won't be destroyed that's something I guess

While Cersei may be on top for a while as you said doesn't mean she'll always be on top she might even like when Raziel is older and she starts on of there private moments he takes control of things

Anyway on to this chapter

Raziel's moment with Joy this chapter was nice in the future if Myrcella is sent to Raziel's court hope Joy is right there with her and thrilled he got his Hrakkar cub looking forward to seeing what he names it

Oh so Robyn Arryn in this isn't the son of Jon he's his great nephew and part Royce to man it's going to be strange reading about a Robyn that's not a sickly winey child

Also loved the conformation that the niece of Catilyn mentioned in the previews is the daughter of Lysa and Petyr she's going to be interesting to meet hope she's as smart as her father and and equal to Sansa in how pretty she is

Saw a discussion about keeping the harem hidden and all that due to polygamy not being a thing in Westros but Kings in Westros have had basically what amounts to harems before like Aegon the unworthy and Aerys I know those are two shit bag kings but no seemed to blink an eye at the having wives and dozens of mistresses they hated those two mainly for other reasons

But I think a better example would be Raziel's distant ancestor Ronard Storm guy married his half sister his brothers wife and 20 other woman to and he ruled until he died of old age so unlike those two shit bag kings I just mentioned seemed Ronard wasn't the type to get "bored" with a lover and move onto the next if he found a new lover he didn't just abandon his old ones

Point I'm trying to make is Raziel might not have to hide the fact he's got a harem especially if he's a powerful king that no one can question he can have his official wife who could even join Raziel when he takes his mistresses to bed and have his harem be and known thing and those woman who are in his harem could command similar respect and authority that his Queen does just to a slightly lesser extent

So yeah the harem might not have to be a hidden thing and his lovers don't have to be married to other men either

Eager for the next chapter hope it's out soon

A: I'm glad.

Yup, there's a hundred of others swords that he could get.

You're right.

Let's just say that... Raziel will start to initiate most of their encounters when he gets a bit older.

To business then:

I hope you liked the name.

Robyn will represent the good traits of House Arryn which was pretty absent from the main story.

Let's just say that she will inherit a trait that both of her parents had in common, which was the main cause of the downfall of House Stark. And, Beauty is subjective... but... I imagine her looking like the actress [Sophia Lillis] in the movie [It]

No comments after that.

Q: I'm just wondering if cersei and daenerys are going to be part of his harem, not that I have anything wrong with it, I'm all for it actually.

A: Dany is Raziel's first love.

Cersei ain't going nowhere, wether Raziel's wants it or not.

Q: Good story,Like you said Cersei is mentally unstable due to the loss of her second son leading her to have a oedipus (I forgot what was the other one)relationship with her first born son. I imagine when he gets older and he needs a queen, she will probably make herself to be his queen by force or any means to achieve it. Is there a possibility that she would end up being pregnant due to her "special" relationship with her Young son ?

A: It's called Jocasta Complex.

Nah, Cersei isn't THAT crazy and she can't really have children anymore which contributed to her obsession. Though she will definitely influence him.

Q: When is the next update? And i like to see which direction it is going.

A: I'm glad you like it.

Q: even if there is logic in your relationship, this does not lessen the frustration of Mia's absence from the relationship. Well, no creativity is perfect. What you think is impossible, it will be realistic to describe to another writer. I think there is a person who can accept this creative challenge.)))

A: Good luck then.

Q: This is a fun story. I like it a lot. Very well done what-if that doesn't hug cannon events too close and it's much more interesting this way. Which is quite hard to pull, some stories either hug too close to cannon that it's almost borning repetition or stray so far that only names remain

A: Yeah, originally it was going to be a too close to canon type of story.

But then I saw that there was just too many true born Baratheon fics that were pretty much the same story with a few differences.

So I decided to do something original that was faithful to canon in characters and locations. Which it served as a mold to all my others fics. (Manly my Naruto and Harry Potter fics.)

A thousand thanks to everyone who followed and favorited this story and if anyone has any questions, please leave it at the comments or PM and I'll gladly answer.